What is Flexible Transit?

Flexible transit is a type of hybrid transit service that combines elements of fixed-route bus service with those of fully demand-responsive transit (such as dial-a-ride and paratransit). The concept and practice of on-demand service is not new; paratransit has been in place for approximately 40 years. However, flexible transit as a hybrid between fixed-route service and dial-a-ride is a relatively new concept that has been explored by public transit agencies to meet the growing and diverse needs of communities.

Transit agencies commonly define the purpose of flexible transit as providing service in areas that are difficult to serve with traditional fixed-route service for various reasons including demographics, street layout, or community preferences. A primary reason why transit agencies provide this service is because fixed-route service is inefficient and relatively costly in such areas. The benefit is that flexible service can respond to community needs, accommodate the different types of trips people make, and help people who have difficulty walking to a regular bus stop.

Each flexible transit service is unique because of the need to balance predictability and flexibility in response to community values. With flexible transit, buses are flexible in regard to where they can go to pick up and drop off riders. However, they can still maintain some elements of fixed-route service, such as fixed stops and time points. There are a myriad of different types depending on how flexible the route is. Flexibility can vary depending on the size of the zone the bus covers, the type of stops, and what kind of advance notice is required to coordinate on-demand service.